New Zealand humiliated England by nine wickets in Ahmedabad to start off their World Cup championship defense.
The suspense of that Lord’s epic was absent from the final matchup four years prior, which saw the Black Caps trotting home in pursuit of 283.
They reached their target with 13.4 overs to spare – Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra both hitting stunning centuries.
Conway ended 152 not out and Ravindra unbeaten on 123 as the pair combined for a sensational 273-run partnership – the fourth-highest in men’s World Cup history – which rendered England’s attack toothless.
Also read: Cricket World Cup 2023: Full schedule, fixtures and match dates
Earlier, England’s Joe Root made 77 in an otherwise inconsistent batting display by holders England to post 282-9.
Put in to bat in a rematch of the 2019 final, England’s otherwise formidable lineup did not really fire but Root, Jos Buttler (43) and Jonny Bairstow (33) ensured their side at least have a competitive total to defend.
Root reverse-scooped Trent Boult for a six but eventually lost his stumps to Glenn Phillips attempting another reverse shot, which effectively snuffed out England’s hopes of a 300-plus total.
Matt Henry claimed 3-48 for New Zealand, while their three spinners shared five wickets on a hot afternoon at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
New Zealand rested regular captain Kane Williamson (knee) and fast bowler Tim Southee (thumb) to give them more time to recover from surgery.
Lockie Ferguson also missed out with a minor injury.
England left out Ben Stokes, who is nursing a minor hip injury.
